Budding runner inspired by Eliud Kipchoge to compete outside Kenya for the first time
20th March 2024
Kipchirchir says Eliud Kipchoge has taught him the essence of discipline and being focused.
- According to the 23-year-old, he has learned a lot of valuable lessons from the two-time Olympic Games champion.
- Kipchirchir, who hails from Kapsoiyo, a little-known village domiciled in Elgeyo Marakwet County, is expected to race at the 2024 Arrow Venloop Half Marathon
- The 2024 Arrow Venloop Half Marathon will be staged on Sunday, March 17 in the Netherlands.
Anthony Koech Kipchirchir is a man on a mission as he
prepares for his first-ever road race outside the country.
Kipchirchir, who hails from Kapsoiyo, a little-known village
domiciled in Elgeyo Marakwet County, is expected to race at the 2024 Arrow
Venloop Half Marathon slated for Sunday, March 24 in the Netherlands.
In an exclusive interview with SportPesa News, the talented
runner revealed that his aim is to register a podium-place finish.
When asked who he looks up to in the competitive athletics
industry, Kipchirchir mentioned former marathon world record holder Eliud
Kipchoge without any hesitation. According to the 23-year-old, he has learned a
lot of valuable lessons from the two-time Olympic champion.
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“Kipchoge has taught me that without discipline, you cannot
make it in athletics. Discipline is key for someone to achieve his or her objectives
in life. Another lesson I have learnt from him is to focus on training and to
avoid distractions,” stated the runner, who trains in Iten.
Kipchirchir surprised many people including his village
mates in November last year when he overcame a strong field to win the Eldama Ravine-based
Chemasusu Half Marathon in a lifetime best of 1:03.35.
He was closely followed by Jackson Kipleting and Emmanuel
Bor, who stopped the clock s at 1:04.09 and 1:04.36 respectively.
At the much-awaited Arrow Venloop race, Kipchirchir will
square it out for the top prize with several other star runners from the East
Africa region.
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Among them is Kenya’s Josphat Kiprotich, who secured a third
position at the 2023 edition of the race in a time of 59:41 behind compatriots
Hillary Kipchirchir Chepkwony and Isaiyah Lasoi.
Kiprotich heads to the Netherlands with a personal best of
59:35 which he set at the 2022 Napoli Half Marathon.
Other Kenyan runners who have been confirmed for Sunday’s
showdown include Charles Mbatha Matata (1:00.05), and Solomon Kipchoge (59:37).
In the women’s category, the Kenyan duo of Cynthia Jepkosgei and Veronica Loleo are the favorites to bag the title.
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